Briante Weber has 58 steals this season, tied for eighth-most in school history.

RICHMOND, Va. – VCU avoided the proverbial “trap game” Monday night, using another stout defensive effort on the way to a 61-49 victory.

It wasn’t always pretty. The Rams committed a season-high 17 turnovers and were 12-of-21 at the line, but they also forced 18 Hofstra turnovers and completely locked down the Pride offense in the second half. Hofstra was 4-of-20 from the field after the break, including 0-of-5 from 3-point range.

As has been a reoccurring theme this season, VCU was able to use its intense defensive pressure to wear down the Pride in the second half.

The Rams led 35-32 at the break but took command with a 6-0 burst early in the second and never looked back.

VCU, which has won four straight and 13 of 16, was coming off an emotionally-charged win over rival Old Dominion on Saturday. The Rams were also playing their third game in five days, but managed to avoid a letdown and grind out a choppy win.